In this episode of Scale Healthcare Technology and Innovation, host Jason Schifman is joined by Barbara Wachsman, a healthcare veteran with over 25 years of experience. Barbara shares her innovative work at Disney, where she redefined the company’s approach to healthcare benefits and provider relationships. From negotiating direct contracts with hospitals to implementing a value-based care model, Barbara provides deep insights into how Disney leveraged its scale to improve care and reduce costs for its employees. She also discusses how these strategies can be applied to both large and small employers looking to take control of their healthcare programs.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation on employer healthcare, value-based care, and how data and direct provider partnerships are shaping the future of employee benefits.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
(01:03) Barbara’s background and her role at Disney
(02:10) Disney’s innovative healthcare model and direct hospital partnerships
(06:30) Shifting from traditional carrier networks to direct care relationships
(09:00) The importance of value-based care and aligning incentives
(13:30) Using data analytics to improve healthcare delivery
(17:45) The benefits of a primary care-driven model
(22:00) Scaling Disney’s healthcare strategy to other markets
(30:40) Challenges in expanding the model outside Florida
(35:10) The impact of employee choice and cost sensitivity
(40:00) Closing thoughts on the future of employer healthcare
Key Takeaways:
Innovative Healthcare Partnerships: Barbara discusses how Disney used its leverage to secure direct deals with hospitals, improving both cost efficiency and care quality.
Value-Based Care: A focus on aligning incentives between employers and healthcare providers to ensure high-quality, cost-effective care.
Data and Analytics: The importance of using healthcare data to drive decisions and improve employee health outcomes.
Scaling the Model: Insights into how Disney’s healthcare approach could be applied to other employers, regardless of size.
Employee Experience: How empowering employees to choose primary care providers helps to improve overall care and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs.
Guest Bio:
Barbara E. Wachsman is a healthcare leader with 25+ years of experience driving innovation in employer-sponsored healthcare. Formerly leading Disney’s healthcare strategy, she has shaped quality metrics, primary care access, and strategic partnerships. She advises startups, private equity firms, and healthcare organizations, championing affordability, accessibility, and improved care delivery.
Resources:
Scale Community https://www.scale-community.com/
Elevating healthcare solutions through research and innovation on a global scale.